Assir rose to prominence with the onset of civil war in neighbouring Syria. The conflict has triggered instability in
Lebanon by exacerbating sectarian tensions between its Sunni and Shi’ite communities.

The background

12 Lebanese soldiers were killed in 2013 when they stormed a mosque complex belonging to Assir in the southern city of Sydon.

He faces charges including forming a terrorist organisation and inciting violence against the army.

Assir has, in the past, urged Sunni Muslims to defect from the Lebanese army.

He had been in hiding after being sentenced to death in absentia last year.